Basketball shooting training aid

ABSTRACT

A training aid that attaches to a person&#39;s forearm to help correctly position the persons shooting arm when shooting a basketball. The training aid includes a block structure that can be removably secured to the person&#39;s forearm on their shooting arm adjacent to the crease of the person&#39;s elbow. The block structure is worn on the person&#39;s arm while shooting and is configured such that when the person brings their elbow up to shoot the basketball, the block structure contacts the person&#39;s bicep to prevent the forearm from going less than 90 degrees with the upper arm.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to a device for training a person to hold their shooting arm in correct position when shooting a basketball, for example during a jump shot.

BACKGROUND

The basketball shot is a series of multiple motor movements that must work in unison in order to shoot the basketball consistently and accurately. If any one of the movements is off, then the chances of the basketball consistently going through the basketball hoop becomes lower.

One of the biggest problems and most important parts of a basketball shot is correct elbow positioning. The degree or angle at which the shooter's elbow is positioned when shooting a basketball, such as during a jump shot, directly effects the direction of the ball's flight path, it determines the straightness of the ball's flight, the amount of power being generated, and the quickness of the shot. It is generally accepted that the correct angle is 90 degrees which is the angle to achieve a 45 degree angle of entry of the basketball into the basket. This is also the angle that requires the person to move the basketball from the shot pocket to the release position with the least movement for the fastest shot possible.

Another aspect of the elbow that is important in creating the perfect shooting position is the straightness of the forearm. For maximum accuracy, the ultimate position of the forearm is straight up and down (vertical) when in the release position.

Incorrect forearm angle reduces any consistency in the shot because of the unpredictable release that will occur. For maximum accuracy, the forearm should be in a vertical position in line with the “shot line” which is an imaginary line that is between the person's shooting side knee and their shoulder. To ensure that the person has a proper arc during the ball's release, in the end position the person's elbow should be right above the eyebrow. If the elbow is extended below this line, a flat arc path of the basketball will result. If the elbow is extended to straight vertical, too much arc path results.

Another problem that contributes to an inconsistent shot is the incorrect position of the shot pocket. The shot pocket is the position in which the person holds the ball before moving the ball to the release point. A person tends to position the basketball too low near their waist which creates a long path for the basketball to travel in order to be shot.

Creating muscle memory so that the shooter repeatedly has correct elbow and forearm positioning with every shot is desirable.

SUMMARY

A training aid is described that is worn by a person to help train the person to correctly shoot a basketball. The described training aid is a device that attaches to a person's forearm to help correctly position the person's shooting arm when shooting a basketball.

The training aid helps to create muscle memory so that the person can repeatedly have correct elbow positioning every time when shooting a basketball. The described training aid holds a person's elbow at the correct 90 degree angle (i.e. the forearm of the shooting arm is oriented at 90 degrees relative to the upper arm/bicep of the shooting arm) and simultaneously provides a guide for the person to know if their forearm is straight up and down and their elbow is positioned on the shot line in order to provide the correct release angle. The described training aid also teaches the person to position the ball at the optimum height level before shooting, which results in a quicker and more accurate shot as it decreases the distance of the shot path.

In one embodiment, the training aid is a block structure that can be removably secured to a person's forearm on their shooting arm adjacent to the crease of the person's elbow. The block structure is worn on the person's arm while shooting and is configured such that when the person brings their elbow up to shoot the basketball, the block structure contacts the person's bicep to prevent the forearm from going less than 90 degrees with the upper arm. If the block structure does not hit directly onto the top of the bicep, that is a signal to the person that the person's shooting forearm is not straight up and down but that the person is demonstrating “flying elbow”. To fix this problem, the person just needs to make sure that the block structure contacts the top of their bicep during a shoot motion.

The block also helps to create a better shot pocket which eliminates extra movement from the shot pocket to the release of the basketball in order to reduce the risk of movement off the shot line.

In addition, when the elbow gets to the 90 degree mark that is when the person's legs should power the basketball to the hoop. Since the person is unable to bring the ball back further due to the block, this eliminates extra power from being exerted from the arms, therefore developing a more consistent shot as the person must instead rely on their legs to power the basketball and their arms to guide the ball.

After the basketball has been released, the block structure should be located above the person's forehead in order to achieve the proper arc on the ball. The person can easily see if the block structure is in the correct location. If the block structure is too low, the arc of the shot is too flat. If the block structure is too high, the person will not be able to see the block structure and the arc of the shot is too large.

In one embodiment, the block structure can include one or more visual indicators, such as a line drawn on the block structure. The visual indicator allows the person to visually see the position of their elbow in the shot pocket and during a shot.

The training aid described herein helps to train a person to use a consistent basketball shooting technique, trains the person to create a proper shot pocket, trains a person to bring the shooting elbow in and place the shooting elbow under the basketball, trains the person to position the shooting forearm and the upper arm including the bicep at a 90 degree angle, trains the person to release the ball at the correct shooting angle, and trains the person to shoot the ball quicker.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the training aid described herein.

FIG. 2 is a front side view of the training aid in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear side view of the training aid in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the training aid in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the training aid in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a left end view of the training aid in FIG. 1. The right end view of the training aid is identical to the left end view in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 illustrates the training aid in use mounted on a person's arm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the training aid 10 described herein includes a block structure 12 that can be removably secured to a person's forearm using a securement strap 14. The block structure 12 is secured on the person's shooting arm adjacent to the crease of the person's elbow. The block structure 12 is worn on the person's arm while shooting and is configured such that when the person brings their elbow up to shoot the basketball, the block structure 12 contacts the person's bicep to prevent the forearm from going less than 90 degrees with the upper arm. If the block structure does not hit directly onto the top of the bicep, that is a signal to the person that the person's shooting elbow is not straight up and down with the forearm but that the person is demonstrating “flying elbow”.

As best seen in FIGS. 1-6, the block structure 12 comprises a rectangular block, for example square. The block can be made of any suitable material that is relatively lightweight, that is moisture resistant (i.e. has little or no moisture absorption) and that can be in prolonged contact with human skin without causing chafing of the skin during use. In one embodiment, the block is made of a resilient foam material. In another embodiment, the block is made of ethylene vinyl acetate foam. In another embodiment, the block structure is a solid foam block. In another embodiment, the block structure is hollow, for example a hollow plastic casing.

The block has first and second (or front and rear) opposite side surfaces 16 a, 16 b each having a side surface area A₁. The block also includes a top surface 18 interconnecting the first and second side surfaces 16 a, 16 b along edges 20 a, 20 b and having a top surface area A₂, a bottom surface 22 opposite the top surface 18 and interconnecting the first and second side surfaces 16 a, 16 b along edges 24 a, 24 b and having a bottom surface area A₃, a first end surface 26 interconnecting the first and second side surfaces 16 a, 16 b and the top and bottom surfaces 18, 22 along edges 28 a, 28 b, 28 c, 28 d and having a first end surface area A₄, and a second end surface 30 opposite the first end surface 26 and interconnecting the first and second side surfaces 16 a, 16 b and the top and bottom surfaces 18, 22 along edges 31 a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d and having a second end surface area A₅.

In the illustrated embodiment, the block is square so that the side surface area A_(l) of the first side surface 16 a is equal to the side surface area A₁ of the second side surface 16 b. In addition, the surface areas A₂, A₃, A₄ and A₅ are equal to one another, and each of the side surface areas A₁ is larger than the top surface area A₂, the bottom surface area A₃, the first end surface area A₄ and the second end surface area A₅.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the side surfaces 16 a, 16 b and the surfaces 18, 22, 26, 30 intersect one another at right angles (i.e. 90 degrees).

The bottom surface 22 is configured for engagement with a forearm of a person when the basketball shooting training aid is in use. For example, in the illustrated embodiment as best seen in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the bottom surface 22 is flat and substantially planar, with a width W and a length L. The specific width W and length L can vary on a number of factors including whether the training aid 10 is intended for use with kids, young adults, women, men, etc. In one embodiment, each of the surfaces 16 a, 16 b, 18, 22, 26, 30 is substantially flat and substantially planar.

The securement strap 14 is attached to the block structure 12 and is configured for removably securing the block structure on the person's arm. The securement strap 14 can take any form that is suitable for removably securing the block structure to the person's forearm. In addition, the securement strap 14 can be attached to the block structure 12 in any desired manner.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a slot 32 is formed in the block extending through the block from the first side surface 16 a to the second side surface 16 b. The slot 32 is positioned closer to the bottom surface 22 than it is to the top surface 18, and the slot 32 is positioned substantially midway between the first end surface 26 and the second end surface 30. The securement strap 14 extends through the slot 32 for securing the strap 14 to the block structure 12.

The securement strap 14 is formed or is formable generally into a circle having generally a central axis X that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface 22. To emphasize that the securement strap 14 can take many suitable forms, the securement strap 14 is partially illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 1-6. In one embodiment, it is preferred that the securement strap 14 is adjustable in size to permit adjustment of the size of the circle formed by or formable by the securement strap to accommodate different forearm sizes and allow the user to adjust securement pressure on their forearm. The strap 14 can be moisture resistant (i.e. has little or no moisture absorption), or the strap 14 can be formed of a material that is designed to absorb moisture.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, the securement strap 14 is a flexible strap formed of hook and loop material. The strap 14 includes a first, non-adjustable end 34 that is fixed to a plastic or metal loop 36, and a second, adjustable end 38 that extends through the loop 36 and doubles back onto the strap 14 where hook or loop material on the inside surface of the end 38 removably attaches to hook or loop material on the outside surface of the strap 14 in well-known manner. In another embodiment, the strap 14 can be formed of leather. In another embodiment, strings can be used to connect the block structure to the person's forearm. In another embodiment, instead of extending the strap 14 through the slot 32, straps could be connected to the sides 16 a, 16 b of the block structure 12 for securing the block structure to the person's forearm. In another embodiment, instead of using a hook and loop type connection on the strap 14, other connection mechanisms such as one or more buttons could be used. In one embodiment, instead of the strap 14 being used to secure the block structure 12 to the person's forearm, the block structure 12 can be fixed to a fabric sleeve that is configured slide onto and over the person's forearm to mount the block structure 12 to the forearm.

One or more visual aiming or alignment marks can be provided on the block structure 12 that helps the person wearing the training aid 10 achieve shot alignment. In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, the visual alignment mark comprises a line 40 formed on the top surface 18. The line 40 extends at least a portion of the length of the top surface 18 substantially parallel to the central axis X, parallel to the edges 20 a, 20 b, and approximately midway between the edges 20 a, 20 b. In the illustrated embodiment, the line 40 extends the entire length of the top surface from the end surface 26 to the end surface 30.

Other surfaces of the block structure 12 can also be provided with a visual aiming or alignment mark(s). For example, as illustrated in dashed lines in FIGS. 1 and 6, lines 42, 44 can be provided on the surfaces 26, 30 that are aligned with the line 40.

FIG. 7 illustrates the training aid 10 in use mounted on a person's forearm 50. The training aid 10 is mounted on either the person's right or left forearm, depending upon whether the shooter shoots right-handed or left-handed, using the securement strap 14. When properly positioned, the block structure 12 rests in the crease of the shooter's elbow and should rest on the shooter's bicep 52 when the ball is placed in the shot pocket.

Once the block structure 12 is properly positioned, the person gets ready to shoot the basketball by placing the basketball in the shot pocket, i.e. pre-shot position. This means that the person raises their forearm 50 of their shooting arm upward as shown in FIG. 7 so that the person's elbow (i.e. the forearm and the bicep) is at 90 degrees and the elbow is directly under the basketball. In this pre-shot position, the block is in a generally vertical position as shown in FIG. 7. If the block is not in a vertical position, the person's elbow may not be in the correct position. In addition, at this position, the end surface 26, 30 contacts the shooter's bicep 52.

Next, the shot motion begins with the basketball being moved to the shot point from which the ball is shot. The block structure 12 places the forearm and bicep at a 90 degree position and does not allow the forearm 50 to travel back toward the bicep 52 to less than a 90 degree angle. The 90 degree angle helps to ensure that the person has the best accuracy, quickness and power when shooting the basketball.

The person then shoots the ball. If desired, the person can use one or more of the visual alignment marks 40, 42, 44 to align the block structure 12 with the intended target, i.e. the hoop. In addition, the block structure 12 itself indicates to the person whether or not the person has the correct arc on the ball when the ball is shot. When the ball is released, the block structure 12 should be at or above the person's eyebrow or at the person's forehead. If the block structure 12 is not at this position but is instead lower, the arc of the ball will be flatter than desired. If the block structure is much higher than the person's forehead, the person cannot see the block structure thereby indicating that the arc of the ball is too much.

The examples disclosed in this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limitative. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description; and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein. 

1. A basketball shooting training aid, comprising: a rectangular block having first and second opposite side surfaces each having a side surface area, a top surface interconnecting the first and second side surfaces and having a top surface area, a bottom surface opposite and parallel to the top surface and interconnecting the first and second side surfaces and having a bottom surface area, a first end surface interconnecting the first and second side surfaces and the top and bottom surfaces and having a first end surface area, and a second end surface opposite and parallel to the first end surface and interconnecting the first and second side surfaces and the top and bottom surfaces and having a second end surface area; each of the side surface areas is larger than the top surface area, the bottom surface area, the first end surface area and the second end surface area; the bottom surface is configured for engagement with a forearm of a person when the basketball shooting training aid is in use; and a securement strap attached to the rectangular block, the securement strap is formed or is formable generally into a circle having a central axis that is substantially parallel to the bottom surface, and the securement strap is configured for securing the rectangular block to the forearm of the person.
 2. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 1, further comprising a slot extending through the block from the first side surface to the second side surface, the slot is positioned closer to the bottom surface than it is to the top surface; and the securement strap extends through the slot.
 3. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 2, wherein the slot is positioned substantially midway between the first end surface and the second end surface.
 4. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 1, wherein the securement strap is adjustable to permit adjustment of the size of the circle formed by or formable by the securement strap.
 5. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 1, further comprising an aiming indicator mark on the top surface, the aiming indicator mark extends at least a portion of a length of the top surface substantially parallel to the central axis.
 6. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 1, wherein the rectangular block is square.
 7. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 1, wherein the rectangular block is made of ethylene vinyl acetate foam.
 8. A basketball shooting training aid that is mountable onto a forearm of a person when the basketball shooting training aid is in use to hold the person's elbow in correct position when shooting a basketball, the basketball shooting training aid comprising: a block of foam material having: first and second opposite, substantially planar side surfaces each having a side surface area equal to one another, and the first and second substantially planar side surfaces are substantially parallel to each other; a substantially planar top surface interconnecting the first and second substantially planar side surfaces and having a top surface area; a substantially planar bottom surface opposite and substantially parallel to the substantially planar top surface and interconnecting the first and second substantially planar side surfaces and having a bottom surface area; a first substantially planar end surface interconnecting the first and second substantially planar side surfaces and the substantially planar top and bottom surfaces and having a first end surface area; and a second substantially planar end surface opposite and substantially parallel to the first substantially planar end surface and interconnecting the first and second substantially planar side surfaces and the substantially planar top and bottom surfaces and having a second end surface area; each of the side surface areas is larger than the top surface area, the bottom surface area, the first end surface area and the second end surface area; the top surface area, the bottom surface area, the first end surface area and the second end surface area are substantially equal to one another; the substantially planar bottom surface is configured for engagement with the forearm of the person when the basketball shooting training aid is in use; a slot extending through the block from the first substantially planar side surface to the second substantially planar side surface, the slot is positioned closer to the substantially planar bottom surface than it is to the substantially planar top surface; and a securement strap extending through the slot, the securement strap is formed or is formable generally into a circle having a central axis that is substantially parallel to the substantially planar bottom surface, and the securement strap is configured for securing the block to the forearm of the person.
 9. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 8, wherein the slot is positioned substantially midway between the first substantially planar end surface and the second substantially planar end surface.
 10. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 8, wherein the securement strap is adjustable to permit adjustment of the size of the circle formed by or formable by the securement strap.
 11. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 8, further comprising an aiming indicator mark on the substantially planar top surface, the aiming indicator mark extends at least a portion of a length of the substantially planar top surface substantially parallel to the central axis.
 12. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 8, wherein the block is square in shape.
 13. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 8, wherein the foam material comprises ethylene vinyl acetate foam.
 14. A basketball shooting training aid, comprising: a block formed from a resilient material, the block includes: first and second opposite, substantially planar side surfaces each having a side surface area equal to one another; a plurality of perimeter edge surfaces that interconnect the first and second side surfaces, each of the perimeter edge surfaces has a surface area; one of the perimeter edge surfaces is a forearm engagement surface that is configured for engagement with a forearm of a person when the basketball shooting training aid is in use; each of the side surface areas is larger than the surface areas of the perimeter edge surfaces; a slot extending through the block from the first substantially planar side surface to the second substantially planar side surface; and a securement strap extending through the slot, the securement strap is formed or is formable generally into a circle having a central axis that is substantially parallel to the forearm engagement surface, and the securement strap is configured for securing the block to the forearm of the person.
 15. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 14, wherein the securement strap is adjustable to permit adjustment of the size of the circle formed by or formable by the securement strap.
 16. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 14, further comprising an aiming indicator mark on at least one of the perimeter edge surfaces and extending at least a portion of a length thereof in a direction that is substantially parallel to the central axis.
 17. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 14, wherein the block is square in shape.
 18. The basketball shooting training aid according to claim 14, wherein the resilient material comprises ethylene vinyl acetate foam. 